Types and Placement of Batteries

[David L. Darnell]

the last two boats I've owned have

Cabela's Advanced Angler AGM Batteries

Group    Deep        Marine        Cold                 Reserve      Weight    L"x W"x H"
Size         Cycle     Cranking       Cranking           Capacity       (Ibs.)
                  or           Amps           Amps
            Cranking
       
 
30       Both    1525       1205               205               84      3.0 x 6.88 x 9.56

On a long day I never used anywhere the capacity of the battery.
Should I get this size again or smaller to shave some weight ? What you think ?


Would you install in rear or front of boat ?


http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat21276-cat350007&id=0023033016446a&navCount=6&podId=0023033016446&parentId=cat350007&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true

[Leo deMonbreun]

David, one of the finest out there is the Optima gel cell battery.  Friend of mine has them mounted in the front of his jet boat on their side.  cool thing about them is they only weigh 38 pounds each..  They are a bit expensive at $179 starting price but they last a long long time and don't present some of the issues of conventional batteries.

[Glenn Hawkins]

Go with the AGM for sure.  The link you posted has the Optimas on sale too.  I would mount the battery under the rear section of the front deck.  This will help to keep some ballist forward in you boat.

[Steve H]

When my wet cell starts to not work so well, I will go with the non-wet technology.

Highly recommend the front of the boat to distribute the weight.